Miracle in Lebanon

When God performs miracles for us, what should we do in return?

Ari Fuld wasn't surprised when he got his draft call last summer during the Lebanon war. "For me, serving in the Israeli Defense Forces is another puzzle piece in a Jewish person's life." He says. "I literally smile when I get my draft in the mail." He had 12 hours to say good-bye to his wife and four children, including his newborn son. Within eight hours after that he was at the Lebanese border. After one day of intensive training, his unit was going into Lebanon to dismantle a faceless terrorist infrastructure.

"The night before we went in, I wrote out the Torah portions about going out to war. I needed to instill myself with confidence. I couldn't even tell my wife where I was going as the calls were being intercepted by Hizbullah. I told her I was going to France."

On his first day in Lebanon, he walked seven kilometers over craggy mountains into Lebanon carrying all of his gear, as well as a hundred pound guided missile on his back. There he encountered his first fire-fight. "Terrifying is the only word I can use to describe it," he says "Everywhere we walked there were eyes on our backs. We were the underdogs. We didn't know the terrain."

Secular, religious, it didn't matter. They were all Jews standing raw and exposed before God.

Every day before setting out to battle, Ari and his platoon would recite the Vidui prayer, a prayer of confession usually reserved for Yom Kippur or before one dies. Secular, religious, it didn't matter. They were all Jews standing raw and exposed before God; they literally felt their lives were in the balance.

The Hizbulla guerilla fighters were lying in wait. The next day the Israeli soldiers were moving in deeper.

Low on food and water, Ari's elite paratrooper unit hid out in an apple orchard for cover and sustenance. It was then that they received warnings that there was a terrorist hotbed of activity around them. They were ordered to go in and clean up the area.

"Our highest commanding officer led off with five soldiers," said Ari. "He said – 'Acharai', you come after me." This legendary characteristic of the Israeli army is no myth. The highest ranking officers stake things out for the underlings, jeopardizing their own safety. "I think the Israeli army is the only army in the world that operates this way," says Ari.

70 yards from where Ari was waiting, his commanding officer was hit in the neck by sniper fire, and missiles were falling all around him and his men.

"We can't let this turn into a kidnapping," said the next-in-command. They sent out a group of evacuation soldiers to try and help the first group, and they were hit by a missile as well. The highest ranking officer who remained turned to Ari.

"Grab four men," he ordered him. "We have to go collect as many bodies as we can. We're not leaving them out there alone."

Ari grabbed four of his comrades. They dropped their gear on the floor and grabbed stretchers. He knew what he was doing. He had made a choice. In moving forward into the inferno of injury and death that lay ahead, he may as well have been walking his own plank. But he wouldn't abandon his comrades.

"We left most of our protection behind, and all of our gear. All I had on me were my Tefillin, a book of Psalms, and some other holy writings. Oh -- and bullets. A whole lot of bullets."

They took only ten steps out of the orchard when they heard the whistle.

Three missiles had landed exactly where the five soldiers had been sitting only moments earlier.

"You hear a whistle and then three seconds later the missile hits," says Ari. "The scary thing is that it gives you no hint as to where it's going to land." Looking behind them, they saw where the missiles had fallen. Three missiles had landed exactly where the five soldiers had been sitting only moments earlier. The gear that they had hastily dropped was decimated.

Missiles were falling behind and in front of the group. It seemed like God was clearing a space for Ari.

They started dragging back wounded officers. Ari called a medic who tried unsuccessfully to stop the bleeding on his commanding officer. That's when Ari felt something trickling down his back. Blood and water were coming out of him.

"I knew that I had been hit by a piece of shrapnel. I also knew that if shrapnel had entered my bloodstream, I would die in a few minutes. My legs buckled."

The medic came and took off Ari's vest. The piece of shrapnel had penetrated his vest, but had gone no further. All he needed was bandaging.

"There was no reason for that piece of shrapnel to stop," Ari says. "It was a piece of Iranian mortar shell." Those things don't stop. But Ari knew that there was someone higher than him calling the shots.

Ari and the remaining members of his unit plodded on in Lebanon a few more days. While he had passed through the real thickets, he still had to deal with gathering food and water in hostile territory that was booby trapped in every corner.

Finally, his beleaguered brigade was ordered home.

When his unit crossed the threshold into Israel, all of the soldiers spontaneously knelt and kissed the holy ground of Israel with palpable emotion. It was more than good to be home.

Ari felt that the man who had entered Lebanon was not the same man who was exiting.

But Ari felt that the man who had entered Lebanon was not the same man who was exiting.

"It was like birth," he said. "It was more powerful than anything I had ever done. Like your wedding day and the birth of your child and more -- all wrapped up into one."

He made a feast of thanksgiving to God. But that was not enough. Ari had encountered miracles. He had been given immeasurable gifts. And now it was payback time.

"I sat with myself first and then I sat with my wife, and I said, ‘Something has got to change. I don't want to go through life as a cycle. If (my life) would have ended right there, there would have been something missing.'"

He took an accounting of his hours each day and realized that only a small minority of his day was involved in pursuit of the spiritual. His religious study had been on a "low flame." He wanted to turn it up to high. And he did, taking a year off from his professional pursuits in order to strengthen himself in his service of God.

"It was financially hard, but I had to do it. I'm happy that I did. In the end, it (being in Lebanon) was nothing less than a blessing for me."

Sometimes the impressions made upon us by inspiration can be fleeting. That's how the term "New Year's resolution" came to be coined. Every year we try to clean the slate and begin again. It is part of the human condition. But Ari will never forget his pledge to repay his gifts. He had said the Vidui confession prayer of Yom Kippur, and he had been granted life. His appreciation is unbridled. And that is where Ari's experience differs from most people. His experience in Lebanon continues to mold his life today.

When his year of study was up he turned down hefty financial incentives and instead joined the staff at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh, where he could continuously immerse himself in cultivating his spiritual side.

And what about us? During this High Holiday season, we can also file through the list of gifts that God has bestowed upon us and make our own New Year's resolutions to give back for what we have received. Maybe this year we can devote just a little bit more time to the spiritual? Open up a prayer book even after the high holidays have passed? Commit to taking that next step that we think about every year?

In Ari's breakfront, he proudly exhibits the piece of Iranian mortar shrapnel that nearly cost him his life, its serial number still intact. Some people find it strange, seeing it displayed so prominently next to his Kiddush cup and his silver Menorah.

He doesn't find it odd at all. "That warped piece of iron that you're looking at... it looks like a piece of garbage – but that's my miracle."

Visitor Comments: 30

(25)
ruth housman,
August 28, 2011 2:04 PM

Lebanon

I watched a movie made in cartoon fashion, and do believe it was by an Israeli film maker, and it was a condemnation of war, particularly what happened in the refugee camps in Lebanon. The Israeli soldiers involved did not seem to understand what was happening, and those who were there, deeply probed the event which was a massacre for understanding.
And yes, throughout our stories, on all sides, there are these incredible miracles, that do seem, and are, the Hand of G_d so visibly guiding particular stories. And these stories deeply affect those involved, often bringing them into a deeper spirituality of being.
It means, doesn't it, That G_d is everywhere and that all stories are part of a Divine Story, that must be going someplace deep, someplace almost ineffable, because we all struggle with terrible conflicts and issues, in our lives of which suffering is part.
I say there's a story, a major "breaking" story, that is going to bring us all into a burgeoning new consciousness of our part here, in co-creating the world.

ari,
July 12, 2012 12:24 PM

I object!

I was there and the movie director who was politically charged was not! We hel the highest level of morals even at our own life's safety!
There were barely any citizens in southern Lebanon, they ran to t the north! The citizens we did meet were treated with repsecct and not as soldiers.
It is words like yours as well as movies made by those who have in mind to bash Israel and the IDF that hurt more than the war itself.
Let's not forget that Israel NEVER seeks war with anyone so please do not compare the two sides as if we are the same.
There will be peace when the Arabs let go of the notion of war and Shahid. As Golda Meir once put it, 'When the Arabs love their children more than they hate Israel there will be peace.'
G-d is in all places but that shouldn't ever blur the understanding that we, Israel have always searched for peace while having to protect ourselves from those who seek war.

(24)
Helen (Wiesner) Futeran,
February 28, 2011 3:36 PM

The article was touching, and very well written, Yael. No doubt Ari served our country proudly. Now it's time for him to take care of his family while guiding them in a similar direction.
By the way, Ari - are you by any chance the son of Yonah Fuld from Hillcrest, NY?

Ari Fuld,
June 22, 2011 8:11 PM

I am the son of Rabbi Yonah Fuld from hillcrest

my email is toradojo.fuld@gmail.com

(23)
Ari Fuld,
February 23, 2010 9:41 AM

Thank You all
Well this is the first time I have actually read the article online at it is heartwarming to hear that my story helped others as well.
Since Lebanon I have spoken in many shuls and schools and perhaps this is the meaning of persumei Nisa
Hodu Lashem Ki Tov

(22)
Hala,
February 23, 2010 9:41 AM

the war

first of all i would like to make it clear that yes i am Lebanese and do live in south Lebanon, i also faced the 2006 war and it was the most horrifying, disgusting thing that i have ever lived through. I am not against any jewish person dont get me wrong, but i am disgusted at anyone weather it be Jewish or Lebanese to make a decision to go into war! i feel with the the soldiers on both sides should not have to jeopardized there lives for a bad choice made by there politicians. If Ehud Olmert or Hassan Nasralah want to fight against each let them do it in there own time with the door closed behind them, dont let innocent people suffer, dont let people like me and my family live in fear and live without beloved family members (dead!). Don't let the anger grow between the both sides, its not right, its not fair!

Eli Willner,
August 28, 2011 4:05 PM

the aggression

you make it sound like Olmert and Nasrala just "decided" to fight and your people in Lebanon were the innocent victims. In fact the Israelis went in only after suffering thousands of missiles fired by Hezbola and its citizenry. If you don't like war, Hala, get rid of Hezbola from your midst and you won't have to endure it!

Miriam,
August 30, 2011 6:43 PM

You make an excellent point.

Able-bodied Israeli men should sit back and run normal lives while Hizbullah murders innocent Israeli women and children.

(21)
anonymous,
February 23, 2010 9:40 AM

great article! i enjoyed it a lot!

(20)
Andrew Novotny,
February 23, 2010 9:39 AM

Your website was recommended by a Shul member.
I am delighted to have discovered your website as a resource. It is beautifully constructed. I remember the Aish HaTorah weekly parasha commentaries from my children's Yeshiva years, and it will a delight to re-acquaint myself with this resources. Of course, I plan to take advantage of your other offerings as well. I emailed your piece on the Miracle in Lebanon to the List Serve in my Community Center, and I look forward to hearing their reactions. Hopefully, you will find yourself having yet more subscribers. With best wishes for joyous holidays! Andrea Novotny Forest Hills Jewish Center

Ari,
June 23, 2011 10:38 PM

I will be visiting Queens in July would love to come and speak

I will be visiting Queens beginning of July. I would love to have the opportunity to come and speak at the Forest Hills Jewsh center. I can be contacted at toradojo.fuld@gmail.com

(19)
anonymous,
February 23, 2010 9:39 AM

I read this article by Yael Mermelstein with great interest.It was a well written account of a truly inspiring young soldier that, I believe, is especially meaningful this time of year.
Ms. Mermelstein should be congratulated on this piece. Please forward to her my thanks.

(18)
Shiya,
February 23, 2010 9:37 AM

I also served in Lebanon back in 1985&1986. I too saw many horrifying things and am grateful to have survived. The hardest thing I had to do was to tell the parents of a fellow soldier that he had been killed while fighting. The fact that I survived is in itself a miracle!!

(17)
Debbie Schapiro,
February 23, 2010 9:34 AM

thank you
This article moved me to tears. That's the real challenge, moving on our inspiration instead of remaining "inspired."

(16)
Rachel Littlestar,
February 23, 2010 9:33 AM

remembering priorities

Very powerful story for a timeless message. This reminds me to think about my priorities every day, not just around the New Year.

(15)
miriam,
February 23, 2010 9:33 AM

inspired

Inspired
All the way in Kansas, you have a fan who appreciates the story you have chosen to share with your readers. As my Challah is baking for Rosh Hashanah (Ayn Kemach - Ayn Torah!)I am inspired. Thank you

(14)
Manasseh,
September 28, 2008 1:23 PM

No atheists in foxholes

What a touchging story.!
Indeed between the "whit" sound and the ominous "thud"!!! one is bound to believe or hope for miracles. There is absolutely no debate as to the existence of G-D at least not to the normal human being in peril.
Yes I believe in G-D and Yes I belive in miracles, I'm one!

(13)
Askin,
December 16, 2007 2:44 AM

Don't let the curiosity kill the cat !

Answer to Dan, position No.6:We don't know the rules of God's justice. We only know the rules of our human justice. Yes, indeed, there are differences between human beings and God.Maybe sometimes miracles are merely coincidences. But, only sometimes. Or so they may seem. But, sometimes there are indeed miracles. When so many of them happen, we can not overlook their being miracles or small miracles.Askin OzcanAuthor of SMALL MIRACLESTrue stories of thirty very unusualand stunning happenings, which we can only call "small miracles" - some not so small at all.

(12)
Yehuda,
September 16, 2007 5:08 AM

To address dan's curiosity

I suspect that Dan missed the point.

The author did not imply that those who died received a divine punishment.

She did suggest that an omniscient and providential G-d, who does not blink, seemed to have changed the course of nature for Ari.

Ari's reaction, thanking G-d for sparing his life, was a reasonable and commendable reaction coming from his perspective.

It is Dan's perogative to attribute events such as these to mere coincidence, however, this is an attitude he may come to regret.

(11)
ryan dizon,
September 14, 2007 3:29 AM

a moving story

i was deeply moved and captivated by the story of life and death situation.sometimes with the 365 days rarely we come into terms about putting ourselves into 'life and death situations.'i greatly admire the jewish faith (and i hope i'll be joining in the future) in having a festival like the rosh hashana and yom kippur which gives this chance and remainder how fragile life is. no wonder in the book deuteronomy the torah gives us no option but a must.."choose life."

(10)
john munt,
September 13, 2007 8:35 PM

miracles do happen in war only those that know pray

i have been in the situations in 3 wars and fully apriciate what those soldiers went through. i served for 21years and 3 months. you never forget your fellow soldiers but pray helps to forget your own fears.

(9)
askin,
September 13, 2007 5:05 AM

SMALL MIRACLES

SMALL MIRACLES by Askin OzcanISBN 1598001000 Outskirts PressAvailable at major internet bookshops.Thirty stunning miracles experienced bythe author himself, in various countries. Unbelievable, but true to the last word.If they were one or two, they could be classified as coincidents, but so manyof them obliged me to write a book about them, as my duty and gratitude towards God, who must have arranged allthese incredible small miracles- some of them are not small at all.Because, otherwise it would be like tossing a coin very many times and getting always the "heads" side up, each time!---To the question, "what about the other who died?" I can only give a human answer to this very human question:We don't know. We can only think as wecan and should pray to God for a miracle (and always) and God does whatever he does- we can not know what, why, how. My niece's mother and nephew were caught by the terrible earthquake in Turkey some years ago, which took some 60,000 lives. Her mother prayed to Godto be saved from under the collapsed building, but her nephew didn't. After some awesome hours of suffering, she was saved by the troops in one piece, but her nephew was saved only after one of his legs being cut. This could be a coincidence of course.The thirty stories in my book aren't. Read and decide for yourselves.---Irrespective of religions, we must pray to God for his mercy and benevolence and help. This is what we must do, can do and should do. The rest is God's job. We can not know its whys, whats, hows. We are not God, we are humans.May God give all of us happiness and the possibility of understanding His advice in His books- no matter what religion we are in. (the core principles are the same: love, peace,justice,sharing what God has given to one, with others;praying to God for mercy and benevolence; respect for truth, knowledge,beauty; for one another;for our environment; for ourselves; for life; and have self control and modesty and kindness amongother good things preached in the Holy books of God - no matter which one.)

(8)
Susan Rubinstein,
September 12, 2007 9:38 PM

I have witnessed G-ds miracles many times over

and I was raised in the Conservative american style movement.....I am very spiritual and since my Dad passed away at 84 two years ago, things happened that would help fix my life here in new jersey everytime I went to his grave.....Hashem does work in mysterious ways indeed...we must accept his judgement and try our best as humans to do more mitzfahs for our bretheren and our fellow man..AFterall Roshashanna is the birth of Adam, the first man.....all mankind should be praying this day.

(7)
Dan,
September 12, 2007 12:07 AM

Curious

Well written, but I am curious: What would you say of all the others, who were actually hit? I rejoice with the Chayal, but do not agree with his - or your - conclusions. When it goes "whit" past your ear - another miracle! - and when there is that sickening "thump" and burning pain - then what? God blinked? It's a punishment? Very inscrutable. Ah well, may we all have a happy and healthy new year.

(6)
menachem,
September 11, 2007 4:04 PM

that story was extremely inspirational and i actualy took that lessoni feel so lucky for ari

(5)
Kat,
September 11, 2007 12:09 PM

brought tears to my eyes

to hear from the soldiers is so powerful, the men and women who bravely go into HELL for us all. May Hashem continue to smile upon you. Shana Tova

(4)
chava,
September 11, 2007 10:44 AM

inspiring

sometimes the choices that we make in life seem random but perhaps there's a higher power that directs us. The story was at times horrific and at times inspiring. I guess this is what living in Israel is all about.

(3)
B. G.,
September 11, 2007 9:45 AM

What an incredible individual!

It's so easy to ignore a miracle, yet Ari dramatically changed his life out of a realization that his priorities should change. That takes a truly special individual. He serves as a lesson to all of us.

(2)
Margarita,
September 10, 2007 9:31 PM

Wow

wow

(1)
Anonymous,
September 10, 2007 7:08 PM

I enjoyed reading this article very much, and I have also enjoyed reading other articles by yael Mermelstein.Her articles are very interesting and at times emotional with lots of feeling. I'm looking forward to read more articles by Yael Mermelstein

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...